“SUN” SERVICE STATION

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 498, 30 October 1928, Page 7

“SUN” SERVICE STATION

rriHE “Motordom” section of The Su n includes in its service to readers a JL Queries and Answers Department, the object of which is to give accurate information regarding mechanical and touring subjects. Whatever the particular puzzle may be in either diagnosing irritating troubles, or motoring information of any kind, “Headlight'* will endeavour to help, or refer the point to men who are recognised automobile experts in their respective lines. . a t , All communications must be accompanied by the inquirer s name and address (not for publication), a*hd sent to THE SUN “Service Station, Motordom ” THE SUN, Auckland. Answers will appear weekly in this column.

r.A.A. —I would be obliged for information or an explanation of why all the lights on my car blow out. I.he car is British, and fitted with the latest Lucas system, and every now and again the lights are burnt out. (I have had 12 go). On examination of system I could not find any fuses, so 1 put one in the lead from the battery; but about every two weeks the fuses blow one after another, then all of a sudden it will get all right again. It seems as if the whole charge from the generator goes through the lights. The cut-out was tested by experts, and they said it was O.K. Should the battery be earthed? I cannot find where it is, if so. The trouble is obviously a loose connection, probably on a battery terminal, but possibly on the starter switch. They may both appear to be tight, but they should be taken off and thoroughly cleaned. The battery connection should be packed on again with packing lead. Test it, after that, with a wrench, to ensure there is no laxity. A loose connection will blow the lights very easily. Every bump in the road is transmitted to the battery, and jolts th© connections on

their moorings. If they are loose the generator charge will go directly through the lamps, and, as the Lucas is a 12-volt system, the filaments cannot bear this power. Being a double-pole system, the Lucas does not use an earth connection for the battery nor fuses. Your fuse fitting is quite sound, but it should be a 20-ampere. It will protect your lamps, as it will blow before they doHAVE AIR-COOLED ENGINES A FUTURE?

According to an English paper, a company has just been formed in London to exploit the patents covering the Sara air-cooled engine, and negotiations are in a very advanced condition for air-cooled engines to be built in England under Sara licence, for use in Whippet tanks. It is stated that the War Office is very enthusiastic regarding the value of this type of engine. The real significance of this, from a commercial standpoint, is that it will remove all prejudice which undoubtedly exists among the public against air-cooling, and will open the way for air-cooled cars to be put on the market.